As conversations around burnout, workplace culture and employee well-being continue to shape the future of work, an immersive one-day event in San Diego aims to bring corporate leaders and wellness professionals into the same room.
On March 20, also known as World Happiness Day, the Wellness@Work Summit will take place at Kiln Rancho Bernardo, offering a full-day program focused on building healthier workplace cultures.
The event arrives at a moment when many companies are grappling with widespread employee burnout and disengagement. According to research cited by organizers, 66% of employees report experiencing burnout, while disengagement can cost organizations up to 34% of an employee’s salary. Stress-related absenteeism alone costs U.S. businesses roughly $300 billion each year.
“Right now, every company is feeling the same pressure—retaining great people, improving morale and rebuilding culture,” says Kellie Sabas, founder of the Wellness@Work Summit. “If you want a high-performing workplace, you have to create a human-centered one. Well-being is the new competitive advantage.”
A Leadership-Focused Approach to Workplace Wellness
Unlike many conferences that focus on individual wellness trends, the Wellness@Work Summit is designed primarily for decision-makers such HR leaders, executives, People & Culture teams and organizations looking to rethink how employee well-being fits into business strategy. Local wellness practitioners and facilitators are also invited to attend to share the unique insights and connect directly with corporate leaders exploring employee well-being initiatives.
The program is structured around what organizers call the Wellness@Work Ecosystem™, a framework centered on four pillars that influence thriving organizations: leadership, connection, mind and body. Sessions throughout the day will explore topics ranging from neuroscience and communication to purpose-driven leadership and performance psychology.
Among the featured speakers are:
- Dr. Cameron Martin discussing leading with purpose during times of transition
- Andrea Marshall presenting on how bias shapes workplace conversations
- Tony Babcock sharing strategies for personal leadership and visibility
- Val Joy Tay exploring burnout recovery and sustainable performance
Throughout the day, attendees will also have access to guided sessions designed to help regulate the nervous system and model wellness practices that can translate into workplace culture. Offerings include mindful movement and breathwork, Reiki and energy healing, chair massage, myofascial release, and sound healing sessions.
Turning Well-Being Into a Business Strategy
Ultimately, the summit’s goal is to help organizations move beyond one-off wellness perks toward a more integrated strategy.
Companies that invest in strong wellness cultures report measurable results, according to research shared by organizers, including higher profitability, lower absenteeism and stronger employee engagement.
Participants will leave with practical tools, including a 90-day workplace wellness roadmap, measurable frameworks for tracking engagement and ideas for budget-friendly initiatives that can be implemented quickly.
As workplace expectations continue to evolve, Sabas believes the shift toward people-first leadership is only accelerating. “When employees feel well, valued and connected,” she says, “everything changes—from productivity and innovation to retention and company culture.”
Event Details
Wellness@Work Summit
Friday, March 20, 2026
9:00am-5:00pm
Kiln Rancho Bernardo, San Diego, CA
Full agenda and registration information can be found at wellatwork.live -- use code LOCALLYWELL for a discount
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